District Withdraws Interest in Changepoint

POUGHKEEPSIE – The Poughkeepsie City School District has withdrawn its interest in moving forward with the purchase of 260 Mill Street, Changepoint Church. This decision has been made due to the financial commitment that the district would be obligated to in order to meet New York State Department of Education requirements and the conversions necessary to transform the space into suitable district offices.

Over the last two years, Poughkeepsie City School District has explored various options to acquire administrative office space within the City of Poughkeepsie. This activity was prompted by the unanticipated damage that occurred at the Bolin Building that resulted in the building being no longer suitable for occupancy or restoration. As a stop-gap measure, central administrative staff have been housed at the Columbus Elementary School building and other PCSD schools.

As part of the district’s commitment to fiscal prudence, an extensive evaluation was conducted, which included a building conditions report, land survey, environmental study, fire inspection, and property appraisal. Considerations not to purchase the property were driven by the district’s responsibility to the City of Poughkeepsie taxpayers and adhering to the building usage requirements of the New York State Department of Education.

“Given the additional requirements and standards imposed by the New York State Education Department specific to public school districts, as well as the costs to customize the space specifically for District use; it has been determined that the financial investment required would be too exorbitant for this particular property. Our goal is to identify a property that meets the district’s needs while being responsible with the financial resources available to us, Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser said.

The district plans to continue its process for seeking a permanent home for its central administrative services. In accordance with regulations, any new recommendation to purchase real estate will be brought forward to the public, and subject to public approval prior to purchase. Dr. Rosser also noted that this decision will not impact the District’s commitment to expand Arts Education Programming.